preform
Americanverb (used with object)
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to form beforehand.
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to determine or decide beforehand.
to preform an opinion.
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to shape or fashion beforehand.
to preform a mold.
noun
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any of various uncompleted objects of manufacture after preliminary shaping.
Usage
What does preform mean? As a verb, preform means to make or form something before something else happens, or during a preliminary stage. As a noun, a preform is an object in its initial form, before it is completed with additional work. When used as a verb, preform can refer to forming an abstract thing, such as an idea or opinion, or a tangible thing, such as a sculpture, piece of clothing, or other manufactured item. When used as a noun, preform typically refers to a physical object (like that sculpture or piece of clothing) that is intended to be finished with additional crafting. It is sometimes hyphenated as pre-form. Example: Don’t preform an opinion about Grace before you even meet her.
Other Word Forms
- nonpreformed adjective
Etymology
Origin of preform
From the Latin word praefōrmāre, dating back to 1595–1605. See pre-, form
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Among those set to preform are Sting, P!nk,
From BBC • Jan. 30, 2025
According to the report, the pathologists will preform the autopsies and disclose both preliminary findings as well as final reports to the families who request them.
From Fox News • Feb. 23, 2022
Significant questions also remain about how the vaccines will preform in the real world.
From Washington Post • Dec. 9, 2020
In years past, Sheryl Crow was known to stop into the Red Bar in Grayton Beach and preform a song or two.
From Washington Times • Jul. 2, 2015
She has tested the wanderer, Alcinous can now preform the ceremonies.
From Homer's Odyssey A Commentary by Snider, Denton Jaques
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
